About the position
Our Client is looking for a Strategic Projects Program Manager to join their team
Location: Cape Town
Job Summary
The Strategic Projects Program Manager will serve as the driving force behind large-scale, long-term projects. This individual will own the full project lifecycle — from strategic scoping and stakeholder alignment through to delivery and performance review — ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. This is a senior leadership role with direct influence on revenue growth and strategic positioning in the water and electricity sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Leadership & Delivery
- Lead and manage multiple large-scale, high-revenue water and electricity infrastructure projects from inception to completion
- Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success metrics in alignment with organisational strategy
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, risk registers, and resource plans
- Monitor project performance against KPIs and take corrective action as required
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Identify and develop opportunities for new strategic projects aligned to growth objectives
- Support business development efforts including tendering, proposal writing, and client presentations
- Contribute to long-range planning and the prioritisation of the project pipeline
- Stakeholder & Client Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government bodies, utility providers, and subcontractors
- Serve as the primary point of contact for key project stakeholders
- Manage expectations, resolve disputes, and ensure high levels of client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle
- Team & Resource Management
- Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams across engineering, procurement, and operations
- Oversee subcontractor and vendor performance, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Governance & Compliance
- Ensure all projects comply with relevant South African legislation, industry standards, and environmental regulations
- Prepare and present comprehensive project status reports, financial forecasts, and risk assessments to senior leadership
- Maintain accurate project documentation in line with quality management systems
Qualifications & Experience
- Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or related discipline)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Additional qualifications in Business Administration, Construction Management, or Project Management advantageous
- Experience
- Minimum 10+ years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in senior/lead capacity
- Proven track record managing high-value infrastructure projects in the water and/or electricity engineering sector
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-year, multi-stakeholder projects
- Experience in the South African public sector and municipal client environment highly advantageous
Competence & Skills
- Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen
- Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities
- Advanced proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, or similar)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with confidence and diplomacy
- High level of financial literacy — budget management, forecasting, and cost control
- Strong problem-solving ability and resilience under pressure
- Commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability
Requirements from Candidates Applying
- Detailed CV including a motivation profile highlighting skills, highest achievement, and a short message explaining why the application should be considered.
- Driver’s license and own vehicle.
- Supporting documents and certified proof of qualifications.
Desired Skills:
- Strategic Projects Program Manager
- Strategic Projects Director
- Head of Strategic Projects
